Press Release

Mayor Ganim Reminds Summer Youth Service Providers the Deadline to Apply for City Funding is Friday, June 1st For Third Year in a Row as Part of City Budget, Mayor is Dedicating $250,000 for Summer Youth Programs and Initiatives

Bridgeport, ct – Mayor Joe Ganim today announced that for the third year in a row his administration is dedicating $250,000 in the Fiscal Year 2019 City of Bridgeport budget to fund summer youth programs and initiatives. This allocation gives local organizations or individuals access to funding to create organized youth programs, such as the Lighthouse Program at Bridgeport Public Schools. To apply for funding, a Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018.

“My administration and our City Council made it our priority to allocate funds to organize and run programs that provide our kids with safe and meaningful activities this summer,” said Mayor Ganim. “For the last two years, we have built partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits who feel the same sense of responsibility to educate and nurture our youth. These programs provide young adults with real work experience and fun activities to keep them busy all summer long.”

Among the programs funded through the summer youth initiative includes Youth Champions where youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 are connected with jobs, quality programs, activities and/or services during the summer months. Youth Champions was designed to give youth employment opportunities to learn a skill and gain real work experience. The program is expected to employ approximately 60 young people with help from companies and organizations in the area. Participants will be interviewed and placed according to their interest to fill a variety of positions available. Participating businesses and organizations thus far include: The Audubon Society, Bank of America, and the City of Bridgeport Public Facilities Department.

Bridgeport Director of Youth Services Tammy Papa said, “We are pleased to once again be in a position to offer community agencies an opportunity to apply for funding which they can use to support programs and services for young people during the crucial months of July and August. We look forward to reviewing these proposals and making grant announcements in late June.”

This Summer Youth Initiative opens the doors for similar establishments or individuals to receive funding to create their own summer activities for youth. Applications for funding will be reviewed and processed by a selection committee and through the city’s Department of Youth Services. For more information, community organizations are asked to contact the Youth Services Department at 203-576-7252. Applications for funding can be found on the City of Bridgeport website www.bridgeportct.gov.